Cut calories by 10 per cent to live longer

CUTTING calories by just 10 per cent can reduce the risk of a host of age-related diseases and early death, according to research.

A 10 per cent cut for women would be 200 fewer calories – or two bananas[GETTY]

Scientists in the US have proved that lowering the amount of calories eaten every day can slow the ageing process dramatically.

In the 25-year study, the experts observed the benefits after restricting the calorie intake of rhesus monkeys by 30 per cent.

The research, started in 1989 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is one of two ongoing US studies to look at the effects of a reduced-calorie diet on non-human primates.

Seventy six monkeys at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Centre began the special diet when they were aged seven to 14 years.

Others allowed to eat as much as they wanted had an increased risk of disease 2.9 times that of the calorie-restricted group and a threefold increased risk of death.

We study caloric restriction because it has such a robust effect on ageing and the ­incidence and timing of age-related disease

Rozalyn Anderson

Professor Richard Weindruch, one of the founders of the study, says their research has an optimistic message.

While few people could tolerate 30 per cent fewer calories, a still beneficial 10 per cent is achievable.

The NHS recommends a daily calorie intake of 2,500 calories for men and 2,000 for women.

So a 10 per cent cut for men would be 250 fewer calories – equivalent to a bar of chocolate.

A 10 per cent cut for women would be 200 fewer calories – or two bananas.

Rozalyn Anderson, an assistant professor of geriatrics and co-author of the study, published in Nature Communications, said: “We study caloric restriction because it has such a robust effect on ageing and the ­incidence and timing of age-related disease.

“Already, people are studying drugs that affect the mechanisms that are active in caloric restriction. There is enormous private sector interest in some of these drugs.”

But she cautioned: “We are not studying it so people can go out and do it, but to delve into the underlying causes of age-related disease susceptibility. It’s a research tool, not a lifestyle recommendation.”

Anderson says many of the benefits of calorie restriction are linked to regulation of energy.

She added: “Caloric restriction essentially causes a reprogramming of the metabolism. In all species where it has been shown to delay ageing and the diseases of ageing, it affects the regulation of energy and the ability of cells and the organism to respond to changes in the environment.”